NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has issued a stinging defense of the police department's stop-and-frisk and surveillance programs.
Bloomberg addressed police leaders Tuesday at the NYPD's headquarters. He says the NYPD "is under attack" by what he calls "politically driven" opposition.
Bloomberg referenced the Boston Marathon bombings, 9/11 and gun violence. He says it's crucial to give officers the tools they need to protect people's lives.
Otherwise, says Bloomberg, "we will all be responsible."
Stop-and-frisk refers to the practice of stopping, questioning and sometimes patting down people seen as doing something questionable but not necessarily meriting arrest. It is the subject of an ongoing federal civil rights trial as well as legislation to curb the practice.
A coalition backing the legislation says Bloomberg is engaging in "dangerous scare tactics."
